Ex-Littleton police officer Jeffery Johnston sentenced in drug case

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DENVER - A former Littleton police officer has been sentenced to 48 months in federal prison and 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to possession and distribution of the party drug Ecstasy.

Jeffery Johnston was a 22-year veteran motorcycle officer. He also pleaded guilty in October to possession of a firearm in a drug-trafficking crime and was sentenced on Monday.

U.S. Attorney John Walsh said in a statement Tuesday the fact that Johnston was involved in trafficking illegal drugs while also serving as a law enforcement officer was "particularly disturbing."

"Yesterday's sentencing illustrates that public servants are not above the law and must be held accountable for failing to uphold their oath to maintain the public's trust," said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Thomas Ravenelle.

"Jeff was a good officer who dedicated twenty years to the Littleton community," said Littleton Police Department Chief Doug Stephens. "His private life choices have cost him greatly and should serve as an example of how drugs ruin lives."

U.S. Attorney spokesman Jeff Dorschner said Johnston's plea agreement indicates a source told law enforcement about attending an April 2012 party at the officer's home in Parker. The witness reported observing behavior related to drug use and became an informant for the FBI.

Agents monitored as the informant negotiated the delivery of 75 ecstasy pills to Johnston for $1,300, then watched the exchange of drugs and money. The FBI raided the home moments later.

During a search of Johnston's home, they found the drug in a kitchen drawer and a loaded Colt .45 pistol above the kitchen drawer that contained the drugs. They also found cocaine, steroids, prescription pills and several other guns in the home.